The Beloved Italian Grocery Store Snack TikTok Is Obsessed With
If someone asked you to name your favorite cookie, what would come to mind — Oreos, snickerdoodles, a classic chocolate chip? Well, in Italy, many would say Gocciole. Pronounced "go-chio-lay," these sweet teardrop-shaped treats are a cherished part of Italian culture. And for a country known for its wholesome homemade food, you might be surprised to hear the cookies are found in the aisles of your average grocery store. They're a local favorite, and anyone who has ever tried one will tell you it's a must for your culinary bucket list in Italy, which must already be pretty long.
TikToker @yoshinobelli posted a video of the cookie aisle in an Italian grocery store with the caption, "If you know, you know." The post has since racked up over 1,500 comments from travelers and tourists alike weighing in on their favorite grocery store treats. If you didn't grow up in Italy and have never had a Gocciole before, it might be hard to understand what all the fuss is about.
Why do Italians love Gocciole so much?
Similar to Oreos, Gocciole is both the name of the brand and the type of cookie. The company has been around for over 25 years and has expanded its offering with different cookie flavors and pre-packaged ice cream sandwiches, but the original recipe remains the heart of the operation. The shortbread chocolate chip cookie isn't anything novel, but it is woven into the fabric of daily life in Italy.
Italians and many other Europeans don't eat big, heavy breakfasts as is common in North America. Instead, Italians usually enjoy a sweet treat like Gocciole with their morning coffee (remember to avoid this embarrassing cappuccino mistake when ordering coffee in Italy), and children will have one with a glass of milk. But these little cookies are versatile and suitable for breakfast, an afternoon snack, dessert, or whenever your sweet tooth comes calling, which is part of what makes them such a household staple.
Other Italian cookies not to miss
It's not just Gocciole — several other Italian grocery store cookie brands have also taken the country by storm. People sounded off in the comments on @yoshinobelli's post in support of their favorite treat, and it was nearly a fair three-way tie between Gocciole, Mulino Bianco, and Pan di Stelle. One commenter, @annalema12, wrote, "pan di stelle being the best cookie in the world is the hill i will die on." And @seanaf01 chimed in with, "I swear Mulino Bianco means more than the Church to italians."
@yoshinobelli
Mulino Bianco are not as sweet as Gocciole and have a more subtle creamy, buttery flavor, making them a great complement to your morning cuppa. Pan di Stelle, on the other hand, is more decadent. The rich cocoa and hazelnut flavors, in addition to the cute star design, make these more popular among children and are very nostalgic for many Italians. So, if you're trying to eat in Italy on a budget, pick up a pack (or three) of these local treats and judge which cookie you think comes out on top. Grabbing some snacks and meals at the grocery store can help, but here's how much you should expect to pay for food while in Italy. Is it worth it? You better believe it is.